Window air conditioner turns on and off repeatedly: How to fix it

An air conditioner that cycles on and off repeatedly is a frustratingly common issue that not only disrupts your comfort but also indicates a serious underlying problem. Let’s walk through the troubleshooting process so you can resolve the problem yourself.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your air conditioner while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The troubleshooting information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What you need

• Multimeter
• Vacuum cleaner
• Soft-bristle brush
• Screwdrivers

Important: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Read more: How to troubleshoot & fix common window air conditioner problems

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

Read more: How to get better air quality from your window air conditioner

Why a window air conditioner runs intermittently

Find out how to fix a window air conditioner that turns on and off.

Reason #1: Thermostat is set incorrectly

Your first check should be the thermostat for your AC. Check the thermostat setting on the unit and make sure it’s set to a temperature that’s lower than the current room temperature.

If needed, reset the thermostat to the desired temperature setting.

Reason #2: Faulty overload switch

1. Make sure the unit is disconnected from the power source.
2. Find the overload switch, which is usually near the compressor.
3. Set a multimeter to continuity mode.
4. Use the multimeter probes to check the overload switch for continuity. The meter should make a beeping sound if there’s continuity.

If the overload switch doesn’t have continuity, it will need to be replaced.

Reason #3: Blocked condenser airflow

1. Make sure the unit is disconnected from the power source.
2. Inspect the condenser coils on the back of the air conditioner. Check for any obstructions or debris that may be blocking the airflow through the condenser coils.
3. Use a vacuum cleaner or a soft-bristle brush to clean the condenser coils.

Reason #4: Thermostat sensor bulb is out of position

Find the thermostat sensor bulb, which is usually near the evaporator coil. Make sure the sensor bulb isn’t touching the evaporator coil. If needed, reposition the sensor bulb so it’s away from the evaporator coil.

Read more:  How to Clean Your Air Conditioner the Easy Way  

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your window air conditioner working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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